What is the Difference Between 2015 and 1985 Golf GTI?

Posted by Georgi Boychev on 04 May 2015, 03:37 PM

Volkswagen's 1985 Golf GTI is already a collector's vehicle today. But when put side by side by its youngest brother, the 2015 Golf GTI, you can see how much the model has changed. The latest 2015 model comes with more than twice horsepower, incredible fuel consumption efficiency and technology gadgets, that were not even seen on sci-fi movies back in 1985. But there is one amazing fact, that is beyond that time gap. The MSRP of the 2015 model is only 25% more than the MSRP for the 1985 model.

Rocco DeMas comments, that the fuel economy and the overall performance upgrades are impressive for the last 30 years. But he is also surprised, when it comes to safety advances. DeMans is really amazed by the incredible improvement of the safety system for these 30 years.

We offer you a comparison between the two models, when it comes to performance: The engine power has increased from 100 to 220 hp (73 to161 kW), the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) has decreased from 8.5 seconds to 5.8 seconds. Interesting fact is that the Curb weight increased with almost 1,000lbs. Of course, there are many differences in the transmission system. The options increased from standard 5-speed to 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. In 1985 Power windows and locks and the air conditioning were incredible extra, but today they are all included in the standard equipment for the 2015 model.

It is really incredible how much a car changes in 30 years. We all hope, that the improvements and optimizations will continue and in the future!

Press release:

The 2015 GTI Is Safer, Twice as Powerful, More Efficient, and Costs Only 25% More Than1985 GTI

Denver, CO – May 1, 2015 – Volkswagen's 1985 Golf GTI may be a collector's vehicle today, but comparing the 1985 GTI to the 2015 model shows just how much cars have improved over the last 30 years. The 2015 Golf GTI boasts more than twice the horsepower, much improved fuel economy, a slew of safety features that the 1985 model is missing, and a variety of options and features that didn't even exist in 1985. The amazing part is that - adjusted for inflation - the MSRP of the 2015 GTI is only 25% more than the MSRP for the 1985 model.

You can see a full summary of the changes between the 1985 and 2015 Golf GTI here.

"The fuel economy and performance improvements over the last 30 years are impressive," says Rocco DeMas of VWPartsVortex.com, "but it's the safety advances that are truly breathtaking. Watching a crash test video of a 1985 Golf GTI illustrates just how much automotive safety has improved."

An official NHTSA crash test video can be viewed here:

Some of the biggest changes in the VW Golf GTI between 1985 and 2015 include: